I am a 32y/o 5’2 petite active woman. My breast have always been large but in recent years have caused back and neck pain . no matter how much I workout and tone. thought I should wait to do a reduction after I have kids to avoid problems with lactation & also avoid them growing right back. I have had my 1st kid and plan on having 2 more back to back. Should I wait even w/ this pain?
Studies show that 60% of women who have undergone breast reduction can successfully breast feed. A similar percentage of women with large breasts who had not had surgery successfully breast fed. I have certainly done reductions on women who were in their early 20’s who had not had children.
No disagreement with Dr. Tavin, but, that said, you expect a better result if you defer the procedure, like all procedures that alter the body habitus, until after child bearing is complete. That way, you breasts will not undergo the changes associated with and lactation. In the meantime, treat your musculoskeletal symptoms with physical therapy.
If you are planning a couple of pregnancies right away you might as well wait. If you are bothered so much now you might as well have the surgery now but do not get pregnant right after the surgery. Most of the times you are able to breast feed after reduction but you may not and if this is so important to you then you wait. Have a consultation with the closest ABPS surgeon to get all your questions answered.
Depending on the type of breast reduction procedure, you may still have a pretty good chance of breast feeding after your procedure. That said, if this is your 'red line' for reduction mammaplasty, it is probably best for you to wait despite the fact that you are having symptoms.
Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian